Systematic review of the parachute ankle brace: injury risk reduction and cost effectiveness.

Introduction: Military parachuting has been shown to result in injuries. This investigation systematically reviewed studies examining the influence of the parachute ankle brace (PAB) on injuries during military parachuting and performed a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Evidence Acquisition: Parachute ankle brace studies were obtained from seven databases, personal contacts, and other sources. Investigations were reviewed if they contained original, quantitative information on PAB use and injuries during parachuting. Meta-analysis was performed using a general variance-based meta-analysis method that calculated summary risk ratios (SRR) and 95% CIs.

Evidence Synthesis: Five studies met the review criteria. Compared with PAB users, PAB non-users had a higher risk of ankle injuries (SRR=2.1, 95% CI=1.8-2.5); ankle sprains (SRR=2.1, 95% CI=1.4-3.1); ankle fractures (SRR=1.8, 95% CI=1.1-2.9); and all parachuting injuries combined (SRR=1.2, 95% CI=1.1-1.4). The PAB had little effect on lower body injuries exclusive of the ankle (SRR [no PAB/PAB]=0.9, 95% CI=0.7-1.2). Cost-effectiveness analysis estimated that, for every dollar expended on the PAB, a savings of about $7 to $9 could be achieved in medical and personnel costs.

Conclusions: The PAB reduces ankle injuries by about half and is a cost effective device that should be worn during military airborne operations to reduce injury risk.